Seoul: South Korea has launched a new special counsel to investigate unresolved suspicions surrounding former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to declare martial law in 2024. This development was reported by a local media outlet.

According to Anadolu Agency, the new special counsel team, led by Kwon Chang-young, has officially begun its investigation. The probe will revisit insurrection charges related to Yoon's unsuccessful martial law bid, as well as corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee and the death of a Marine in 2023.

Key areas of investigation include accusations that Yoon's administration officials attempted to provoke North Korea by orchestrating armed helicopter flights near the inter-Korean border. This renewed investigation follows the National Assembly's approval of a special counsel bill last month, in response to three previous probes that failed to fully address 17 major allegations, including suspected planning for Yoon's martial law declaration on December 3, 2024.

In a briefing, Kwon stated, "While the three special counsels produced many results since their launch, the second special counsel has been established reflecting the public's belief that there have been shortcomings." The new team has a mandate of at least 90 days, with the possibility of two extensions, allowing the inquiry to last up to 170 days, including a 20-day preparatory period.

Yoon was sentenced to life imprisonment on Thursday for leading an insurrection related to his martial law attempt. Additionally, he received a five-year prison sentence last month for obstructing investigators' efforts to detain him last year. The former president has faced eight trial proceedings, resulting in two convictions.